Best in the world: Ilia Topuria’s stunning win over Oliveira earns him new UFC honor
Topuria’s victory at UFC 317 not only earned him the lightweight belt, but also cemented his place as the top fighter on the planet.
Ilia Topuria’s meteoric rise has reached new heights. As of Tuesday, the Spanish-Georgian fighter now sits atop the UFC’s official pound-for-pound rankings—a list that brings together the best of the best across all weight divisions.
Topuria’s stunning Oliveira win sends shockwaves through MMA world
The UFC updated its rankings following the blockbuster UFC 317 card, where Topuria stunned the MMA world by defeating Charles Oliveira to claim the lightweight title. With that win, Topuria now stands alone at the summit, solidifying his status as the top fighter on the planet—regardless of weight class.
His victory not only earned him championship gold but also knocked his longtime rival, the previously unbeaten Islam Makhachev, out of the No. 1 spot. Topuria also leapfrogged close friend and fellow Georgian Merab Dvalishvili, who now drops to No. 3. Brazil’s Alexandre Pantoja also made a splash in the latest rankings update, climbing four spots to No. 5 after successfully defending his flyweight title.
Topuria has also taken Makhachev’s place atop the UFC’s lightweight rankings. Makhachev, once seen as untouchable in the division, now sits in second, awaiting a possible debut at welterweight. The shake-up caused by Topuria’s ascension has triggered movement throughout the lightweight top 10, with fighters like the UK’s Paddy Pimblett slipping from eighth to tenth.
Topuria’s return home delayed
Originally scheduled to land in Madrid on Tuesday, Topuria’s return has been delayed due to travel issues on his flight from Las Vegas. Still, the newly crowned lightweight champion can take pride in knowing he’s officially the best fighter in the world—before he even sets foot back on Spanish soil.
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